UCF scrutinizing football player's collapse

Sentinel exclusive

UCF President John Hitt on Monday promised a thorough review after freshman running back Brandon Davis collapsed during an off-season conditioning workout last week.

Davis has spent the past six days at Florida Hospital East near the University of Central Florida. Donna Davis, Brandon's mother, said in an interview with the Orlando Sentinel he suffered from acute kidney failure as a result of an intense workout in the UCF weight room. She also said he was severely dehydrated because of the lack of water provided during the conditioning drills.

FOR THE RECORD - *********CORRECTION OR CLARIFICATION PUBLISHED TUESDAY, DEC. 10, 2008***********Because of incorrect information provided to the Sentinel, items about comedian Jay Leno on Tuesday's front page and in the Backstage Pass feature on Page A10 misstated the length of time he has hosted The Tonight Show. Leno became the talk show's full-time host in 1992.****************************************************************************************

Hitt said UCF officials are reviewing the situation, and he will discuss their findings later this week.

"This is a serious matter, and we are proceeding quickly and thoroughly in our review," he said in a statement released by the university. "Since I learned of what occurred, I have held discussions to consider the best course of action for our university, football program and student-athletes. I look forward to talking about my decisions this week, but will not do so until our initial fact-finding process is complete."

Brandon Davis said in an exclusive interview with the Sentinel he was scared by the entire experience and is eager to leave the hospital. His condition has improved significantly, and he hopes to be released in time to watch his high-school football team play for the state championship Saturday in Georgia.

"It's been a little nerve-racking with all the back and forth from the doctors," he said. "It's been a lot of tests and waiting and things I haven't experienced before. I've never been in a situation like this, and it's pretty tough."

Adrian Davis, Brandon's father, said the family was relieved to learn his son is in much better condition.

"He is going to be released either Thursday or Friday," Adrian Davis said. "The doctors told us his kidney function has improved. His kidney, liver and heart are all going to be fine, and he should not have any permanent damage."

He added that his son is being monitored by a team of seven doctors who expect to approve his release in 48 hours.

Brandon Davis said he isn't ready to talk about what happened during the workout before he collapsed.

UCF officials released new details about the workout being conducted when Davis collapsed.

Leigh Torbin, UCF director of athletic communications, said the workout was supervised by the university's strength and conditioning staff. Torbin also said about 40 players participated in the workout, and it met NCAA guidelines for approved off-season workouts.

Torbin said UCF Coach George O'Leary would not be available to comment Monday about Davis.

University officials initially implied Davis' injuries were minor, prompting the Davis family to speak out about the workout and the extent of his injuries.

"He had no water in his body due to lack of breaks [in the workout] and not being given any water and fluids," Donna Davis said. "This is what my son has told me, and this is what the doctors have also stated is the cause of his injuries."

Brandon Davis said he was concerned about being able to make a full recovery and eventually play football again.

"In the beginning when they were telling me everything that was going on with my body, I was worried," he said. "I've been praying and hoping for the best. I was really happy when the doctors told me I was going to be OK. . . . Being a Christian definitely helped me through this whole experience. I prayed for my family and for my teammates because they were so worried about me."

Hitt said in the statement he joined with the UCF community wishing Davis a swift and speedy recovery.

"I have directed our athletics staff to continue assisting him and his family with whatever they need," Hitt said.